maddie

Commentary from your local Pumpkin Spice drinks, including me, Maddie Lewis.

As Starbucks released its fall flavors the last week of August, it spewed some controversy about whether the release was too early or perfect timing. If you were to ask a white girl, like I, you would get the common phrase: “Yes! It’s never too early to start fall!.” I couldn’t agree more, but what exactly is pumpkin spice? 

According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, pumpkin spice is a mixture of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and cloves. But what is the definition of pumpkin spice to a white girl? Pumpkin spice is the staple of fall. It’s more than a spice, it’s a feeling. There’s nothing like the feeling of decorating your house on Sep. 1 with your mom. The feeling of waking up to chilly mornings with your flannel pajamas and an oversized sweater. The feeling of curling up on your bed crying to Taylor Swift’s album “Evermore.” Burning the entire Bath and Body Works fall candle collection. That is pumpkin spice. 

Pumpkin Spice Latte? Say less. Drink it hot or cold, who’s judging? Starbucks didn’t introduce the Pumpkin Spice Latte until 2003, but now it is the foundation of Christian Girl Autumn core. Ever since then, Starbucks has made 802 million dollars. You can say the Pumpkin franchise fills the pockets of Mr. Big Bank, Laxman Narasimhan, the CEO of Starbucks. One senior, Janis Parry commented, “It seems like a cash grab for companies every year and not an authentic flavor.” 

Circling back to Christian Girl Autumn, the phenomenon didn’t become a thing until Aug. 2019 when Catilin Covington and Emma Gemma became a hit meme. The core centers around skinny jeans, sweaters paired with flannel scarfs and knee-high boots. You can’t forget the Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte and voluptuous wavy hair. Over the years, Caitlin Covington has received numerous support from the LGTBQIA+ community as well as millennial women. But what do people from North Forsyth have to say? 

Senior Abby Underhill is undecided over the fashion choices made but states, “…in the way of pumpkin[s], coffee and little treats? I support.” Alya Illenbiluan comments “The photos serve, they eat 10/10.” 

In my humble white opinion, pumpkin spice is correctly overrated. After all, people can only get it for a certain amount of time. Enjoy it while it lasts, and many agree with me. Both Kaitlyn Klein and Madelyn Sole, seniors at North, exclaim, “It gives comforting and warm vibes.” However, senior Reece Neidlinger states, “Personally, I’m not the biggest fan of [the] pumpkin flavor. I feel like it tastes funky.”   

I won’t say that anyone who states they don’t like pumpkin spice is wrong, but I also won’t say they’re correct. They are their own person.